Dear Friend,

Over the past six years, the ongoing crisis in Darfur has forced over 2.5 million Darfuris to flee their homes. Most have moved to internally displaced persons camps within Sudan, but many have fled to refugee camps in eastern Chad. Life in the refugee camps is hard. People often live in makeshift structures, with only the most basic supplies. There is little in the way of work or jobs for the refugees. Over 150,000 Darfuri children presently live in these refugee camps, but a shortage of qualified teachers, poorly built school buildings, and lack of supplies make it difficult to give refugee children a good education.

After my friend Tracy McGrady returned from his trip to Darfuri refugee camps in eastern Chad, he told me personal stories of the refugees he met and of their desire for an education and a better future. After hearing stories of their struggles and learning more about the crisis, I joined him in the effort to support the children of Darfur and also to raise awareness about the crisis in communities in the United States. I will be encouraging schools and students in the Los Angeles area to participate in the Sister Schools Program.

As a co-captain of the Darfur Dream Team, I would like you to join the Team and help us give a quality education to every refugee child from the war-torn region of Darfur, which the United Nations has described as “the worst humanitarian emergency in the world.” A diverse group of organizations, NBA players, and individuals have joined together to create a dynamic team that will link middle schools, high schools, and universities all over the United States with schools in 12 refugee camps in eastern Chad serving children from Darfur.

There are many ways that students, groups and clubs, individuals, and corporations can be a part of the Darfur Dream Team. Visit www.DarfurDreamTeam.org to learn more about the program and how you can get involved. Alternatively, you can donate directly to my fundraiser for Sudan Djedid (New Sudan) School in Djabal refugee camp on the Sister Schools online registry at www.educationpartnerships.org/groups/617. For as little as $82 per refugee student, you can take immediate action to provide Darfuri refugee children with quality education, providing textbooks, schools supplies, teacher kits, and sports equipment.

So far, several other NBA players have signed on to this initiative by pledging financial support and/or dedicating time to working directly with U.S. sister schools. I hope you will join me in my goal of giving a quality education to every child trying to escape the violence in Darfur. These are the children that one day will be the leaders who bring a lasting peace to Sudan. Together, our efforts can and will make a difference.

Sincerely,

Baron Davis, Los Angeles Clippers